Last week, I did my first 5K for the Laura’s 5 By The 5th Virtual Race Series.
My intention for the this series is to try to improve my 5K time each month. I did my “race” on the treadmill last Thursday. It was -2 degrees outside when I woke up. No thanks! I’ll run inside today!
I did a one mile warm up at an easy pace, cleared the time, then kicked it up to race pace (8:27). I’m not really sure what my 5k race pace is since I’ve never done one. I know, I’m odd. I prefer the longer distances ’cause I like to get my money’s worth. 
As the distance moved along, I was feeling way too comfortable so I kicked up the speed some more to 8:13. Eventually, I settled on a 7:54 pace till the last half mile. I wanted to finish under 25 minutes so I increased to 7:36. Finishing time: 24:25. I snapped a picture as proof:
Notice anything odd about the picture? It wasn’t till the next day that I realized – a 5k is 3.1 miles not 3.2! Haha! Opps! Then I thought, Dang! My time was better than I thought it was. Proof that the 5k distance is not my thing or my brain wasn’t fully functioning at 5 a.m. 
I will also be using this series to help achieve 13 races in 2013. I’m still in the process of mapping out my races for the year. I’ve got a few in mind that I just love doing. There are even some trail races that sound kind of enticing. Although it seems I need to get on that ASAP since they close out pretty quickly.
Weekend Group Run
Over the weekend, I had a chance to run with my local running group. I haven’t been able to join the group in months but it finally worked out on Saturday. Four of us got together beforehand and ran an easy 5 miles before meeting up with everyone else. It was a great crowd of eager runners! We ran the familiar New Castle loop that is one of my favorites. Sunshine, balmy conditions (30+ degrees!), and great conversation – It was a perfect winter day for taking in the ocean sites while running the Seacoast of New Hampshire.
I’m hoping to run with the group a lot more in the coming months. While I enjoy some runs by myself, I find that running with stronger/faster people gives me a motivational push to get a little bit more out of my comfort zone. I need to learn to get comfortable with being uncomfortable. Plus, I just love talking about races and running in general!
Back to the daily grind. Haha, The Grind! Does anyone else remember that show on MTV with Eric Nies? I watched it all the time!
What’s your favorite race distance?
Do you prefer running with others or by yourself?
i’ve never been a group runner….i prefer solo for sure. it stresses me out more than motivates me…but i can definitely see how it can give other people an extra push!
Lindsay @ The Lean Green Bean recently posted..The Final Push
I’d never get better, faster, stronger if I ran by myself…my running partners all push me past my comfort zone.
AmyC recently posted..TrainingTruths: Fun Challenges
You definitely have a speedier 5k in you… that was the perfect way to start, and I am sure you’ll be faster each month. I also never raced a 5k until this past year! I always had goals for the ten mile or half marathon distance.
Too funny about the 3.2! I saw your Instagram pic and didn’t catch that.
Laura @ Mommy Run Fast recently posted..#5bythe5th Link up and January winners
I think I might LOVE THE RUN if I didnt do solo!!!
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I’m not a fan of 5K distance at all. I like both – running solo or with a partner. I think sometimes I need that alone time, but other times it’s really nice to have the company as well. I’ve never run with a group though. The most I’ve run with was Jason and my running partner for a few miles then he broke off and finished separately.
Heather (Where’s the Beach) recently posted..Starting Over and 1st 5 by 5th
I was definitely intimated when I first joined the group. I thought I’d be the slowest and get left in the dust. But there’s such a wide range of paces and abilities that you find your niche.
I need to be better about the treadmill, I hate it! Look at that snow….it always makes me so jealous! Le sigh
Kat recently posted..Are you ready for #goalgetter2013?!
I’m jealous of your sunshine and green grass! We should do a house swap!
That looks like a beautiful, fun group run! I often prefer to run by myself, but mostly for convenience. I’m kinda lazy and prefer running right from home. I do enjoy group runs, too, though; I just find they are so difficult to coordinate sometimes. My favorite race distance is the half marathon, but I’m really trying to work on speed this year, so 2013 will be the year of the 5k for me.
Clarinda @ Enjoying the Course recently posted..Happy Moment #6
Nice work on your 5K! That is a speedy time. Lately, I prefer sitting on the couch than running, we’re having a rocky time right now, I have even been contemplating a yoga or gym affair. Maybe I need to be stubborn and stick it out.
RunWiki recently posted..Looking Back and Looking Forward… The Art of Transition
I’m a solo runner most of the time. (mostly at home on my treadmill – works for me!)
Kim recently posted..It’s Monday – Let’s Do This!!!
Nice job on the 5k! Great way to jumpstart the 13 races. I like that you’re planning to do one/month–it will be fun for you to see progress (as long as it’s 3.1, not 3.2!).
I love my Saturday group run. We have about 100 people show up for it every week–fun!
misszippy1 recently posted..The best laid plans
Wow! 100 people? That’s awesome!
I would have said alone a year ago but as time went on…I really enjoyed running with my friends
Kierston recently posted..Little Things Monday #4: Finding Happiness in the Little Things!
Same for me. I was a loner till I found a few friends to join me. It’s great to have some variety.
Great job on the 5k!! I usually prefer running alone. Although at my last half marathon, I started running with another lady, and I believe it was because of her that I was able to get a great PR! Talking with her as we ran distracted me from the the rain, the cold and the pain!
katie @ fromicecreamtomarathon recently posted.."I can’t run in the cold!"
So true! Great job on the PR!
Running with a couple friends has def helped my motivation! Then when you run alone it makes it all the better !
Great job on your 5K! I too think that you have a speedier 5K in you
I don’t like short races. I’m not a fast runner so prefer something a little longer. I kind of like running alone – running with a group is too much pressure for me sometimes. That being said, I definitely push myself more when I do run with others. Maybe I need to do that more. And yes! That Grind! Kind of loved Eric Nies.
Christine @ Love, Life, Surf recently posted..2013: Things that will stay the same
Haha those silly kilometers always mess me up!
Kat recently posted..Ultimate Warriors: Warrior Dash Race Recap
Seriously, right?
I like running alone and with others. Both are really good
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